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NW Hills Family Play Guide - Keenan Group Austin Real Estate

NW Hills Family Play Guide

Austin Living

Best places to play in Northwest Hills Austin: parks, playgrounds, pools, trails for families in 78731. By the Keenan Group, #1 ABOR Team 2024.

Joe & Cara Keenan, Keenan Group at CompassUpdated April 20268 min readAustin Living

Northwest Hills parks and playgrounds are the family recreation spaces within Austin's 78731 ZIP code, including Bull Creek, Balcones District Park, and 15+ neighborhood green spaces. As of 2026, Northwest Hills ranks among Austin's top 5 neighborhoods for family recreation access.


Best Places to Play in Northwest Hills: A Guide to Austin's Top Family Neighborhood (#1 ABOR Team 2024)

Looking for the perfect family-friendly neighborhood in Austin? Northwest Hills offers some of the best recreational spaces and community amenities in the city. As the #1 Realtors® in Northwest Hills, the Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate shares our insider knowledge of what makes this area so special for families. Joe and Cara Keenan have helped countless families find their dream homes in this top-ranked Austin neighborhood.

*This aerial view of Northwest Hills showcases the neighborhood's perfect blend of residential areas, schools, and abundant green spaces that make it one of Austin's most desirable communities. Photo by Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate and Shutterbug Studios*

Why Northwest Hills Is Perfect for Active Families

Northwest Hills has become one of Austin's most desirable neighborhoods for families, with its exceptional blend of natural beauty, convenient location, and outstanding recreational facilities. Whether you're considering buying a home in Northwest Hills or selling your Northwest Hills property, understanding the lifestyle benefits of this neighborhood is essential.

*Northwest Hills parks like Bull Creek District Park offer the perfect setting for family gatherings and outdoor activities throughout the year. Photo courtesy of Compass.com*


Play Spots at a Glance

LocationTypeBest AgesCostKey Feature
Dell Jewish Community CenterRec centerAll agesMembershipPools, fitness, camps
Westover Hills ClubPrivate clubAll agesMembershipSwim team, tennis
Bull Creek District ParkNature park5+FreeSwimming holes, hiking
Loewy Family PlaygroundPlayground2-10FreeModern structures, shaded
Northwest District ParkPublic parkAll agesFree/lowPool, tennis, basketball
Balcones District ParkPark + trailAll agesFreePlayground, walking trail

"We raised our kids in Northwest Hills and they grew up at Bull Creek, the JCC pool, and Loewy Playground. The density of family activities within a 5-minute drive is unmatched in Austin." --- Joe Keenan, Keenan Group


Top Places to Play in Northwest Hills

Dell Jewish Community Center

The Dell Jewish Community Center (JCC) stands as a cornerstone of community recreation in Northwest Hills. This comprehensive facility offers:

  • State-of-the-art swimming pools
  • Tennis courts and sports fields
  • Fitness center with classes for all ages
  • Youth programs and summer camps
  • Community events throughout the year

The JCC welcomes all Northwest Hills residents, creating a diverse and inclusive environment for families to connect and stay active.

*The Rochelle and Stanley Ferdman Family Aquatic Center at the Dell Jewish Community Center offers Northwest Hills families a state-of-the-art swimming facility with multiple pools for recreation and fitness.*

Westover Hills Club

Westover Hills Club represents the neighborhood's commitment to quality recreational spaces with:

  • Family-friendly swimming pools
  • Well-maintained tennis courts
  • Social events that strengthen community bonds
  • Swim teams and tennis lessons for children

For families buying a home in Northwest Hills and Westover Hills, memberships to local clubs like Westover Hills provide instant community connections and recreational opportunities. Buyer tip: Contact us if you need help with a Westover Hills Club membership - we have clients who look to pass on these membership opportunities often.

*The lap pool and four LED-lit tennis courts at Westover Hills Club provide both competitive and recreational opportunities for Northwest Hills residents year-round. Photo courtesy of Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate and Shutterbug Photography.*

Bull Creek District Park

Nature lovers treasure Bull Creek District Park as one of Austin's hidden gems, featuring:

  • Scenic hiking trails for all skill levels
  • Natural swimming holes for summer cooling
  • Limestone creek beds and dramatic cliffs
  • Dog-friendly areas for four-legged family members
  • Picnic areas located under mature trees

This natural oasis provides Northwest Hills families with opportunities to connect with nature without leaving their neighborhood.

*The tranquil waters and limestone formations at Bull Creek District Park provide Northwest Hills residents with a natural oasis for swimming, hiking, and relaxation just minutes from home. Photo by Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate*

Loewy Family Playground

The Loewy Family Playground represents Northwest Hills' dedication to family-friendly spaces with:

  • Modern play structures for various age groups
  • Shaded seating areas for parents
  • Secure, well-maintained equipment
  • Convenient location near walking trails
  • Community gatherings and events

This playground exemplifies why families looking to buy a home in Northwest Hills consistently rank the neighborhood's amenities among the best in Austin.

*Loewy Family Playground provides a safe, engaging environment for Northwest Hills' youngest residents with innovative play structures and comfortable shade canopies. Photo courtesy of loewyplayground.com*

Why Choose Northwest Hills for Your Family?

Northwest Hills continues to attract homebuyers seeking an ideal balance of:

  • Top-rated schools in the Austin Independent School District
  • Convenient access to downtown Austin (just 15 minutes away)
  • Proximity to major employers including Apple, IBM, and Dell
  • Excellent shopping and dining options
  • Strong sense of community and neighborhood events
  • Stable home values and appreciation

As the #1 Northwest Hills REALTORS®, the Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate consistently helps families find their perfect home in this sought-after neighborhood. Joe and Cara Keenan's extensive knowledge of the area provides buyers and sellers with an unmatched advantage in the Northwest Hills real estate market.

*Northwest Hills homes offer exceptional value with family-friendly layouts and mature landscaping. Photo courtesy of Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate and JPM Photography

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Northwest Hills School Information

Families considering Northwest Hills are particularly drawn to the area's exceptional schools. The neighborhood is served by some of Austin's highest-rated educational institutions:

Doss Elementary School

  • Address: 7005 Northledge Drive, Austin, TX 78731
  • Enrollment: 811 students (2024-2025 school year)
  • Part of the Anderson family of schools with focus on world languages and cultures
  • Offers a Mandarin-English Dual Language immersion program
  • Accountability rating: A
  • National Blue Ribbon School recognition

Hill Elementary School

  • Address: 8601 Tallwood Drive, Austin, TX 78759
  • Enrollment: 860 students (2024-2025 school year)
  • National Blue Ribbon School located in Northwest Hills
  • Offers Foreign Language Experience Program (FLEX) for grades 1-5
  • Active in environmental education as a Clean Creek Campus
  • Home of the Armadillos, known for their "Dillo Best" motto

Murchison Middle School

  • Address: 3700 N Hills Drive, Austin, TX 78731
  • Enrollment: 1,213 students (2024-2025 school year)
  • Only International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle School in Austin ISD
  • Opened in 1967
  • Offers six world language courses: Chinese, French, German, Latin, Spanish, and Vietnamese
  • Accountability rating: B

Anderson High School

  • Address: 8403 Mesa Drive, Austin, TX 78759
  • Enrollment: 2,229 students (2024-2025 school year)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) school since 1991, the oldest in central Texas
  • Only IB high school in Austin ISD
  • Offers more language programs than any other high school in Austin ISD
  • Received an accountability rating of A for 2021-2022

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Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate: Your Northwest Hills Real Estate Experts

When it comes to selling your home in Northwest Hills or finding your dream property in this exceptional neighborhood, Joe and Cara Keenan of the Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate bring unmatched expertise:

  • Over 25 years of specialized experience in Northwest Hills real estate
  • Deep understanding of neighborhood values and market trends
  • Extensive network of potential buyers for Northwest Hills homes
  • Comprehensive marketing strategies for sellers
  • Insider knowledge of upcoming Northwest Hills listings
  • Proven track record as the #1 Realtors® in Northwest Hills

Joe and Cara Keenan live and work in Northwest Hills, giving them unique insights that benefit both buyers and sellers in Northwest Hills, Westover Hills, and surrounding neighborhoods. Their personalized approach ensures each client receives the dedicated attention they deserve throughout the entire real estate process.


Ready to Explore Northwest Hills?

Whether you're looking to sell your Northwest Hills home for maximum value or find your family's perfect neighborhood match, Joe and Cara Keenan and the entire Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate team are ready to help. Contact us today to learn more about current opportunities in Northwest Hills and discover why so many families choose to call this exceptional Austin neighborhood home.

*Contact the Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate – Your #1 Northwest Hills Realtors®*




More Northwest Hills Guides



Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best parks for kids in Northwest Hills Austin?
Northwest Hills has multiple family-friendly parks including Balcones District Park (playground, trail, sports fields), Northwest District Park (pool, tennis, basketball), and Bull Creek Park (creek access, nature play). Most homes in 78731 are within a 5-minute drive of at least two parks.
Is Northwest Hills good for families with young children?
Northwest Hills is one of Austin's top family neighborhoods. It combines highly rated schools, numerous parks and playgrounds, safe residential streets, and proximity to nature trails. As of 2026, homes in the area range from $800K to $3M+, with strong demand from families relocating for school quality.
What outdoor activities are available in Northwest Hills?
Beyond parks and playgrounds, Northwest Hills offers direct access to Bull Creek Greenbelt hiking, community pools at the Northwest District Park, tennis courts, basketball courts, and youth sports leagues. The neighborhood's central location also puts Barton Springs and Lady Bird Lake within 15 minutes.
Are there swimming pools open to the public in Northwest Hills?
The Northwest District Park pool complex is the primary public pool serving Northwest Hills families. Additionally, Bull Creek offers natural swimming holes when water levels permit. Many families also join neighborhood swim clubs and country clubs in the area.

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Written by the Keenan Group - Joe Keenan and Cara Keenan, Austin's #1 real estate team (Austin Board of Realtors 2024). 25+ years, 1,000+ transactions, $1B+ career sales.

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